Leader Naomi
Woodchester Park was purchased by the National Trust in 1993, comprises 204 hectares of parkland and was the location of the work for the day. To the left of the main track, heading towards Woodchester Mansion contractors had thinned out the woodland, felling dozens of conifer trees. Our task was to cut them into manageable pieces and drag them to one of the two fire sites for disposal.
The Woodchester valley is well sheltered and although it was a cold day we seemed to be in a protected environment. When the sun appeared it became comparatively warm and, with the exception of one short, sharp, sleety shower, the day remained fair.
At lunchtime most of the volunteers took the short walk down the valley to visit the Mansion. This Victorian property was abandoned, part finished, in 1868 after sixteen years of construction. It's a fascinating place to visit as it vividly illustrates the various stages of construction of what was to have been a very grand country house. If you want to find out more contact the Woodchester Mansion Trust at www.woodchestermansion.org.uk
During the day the two fires consumed vast
amounts of timber and everyone went home with their clothes smelling
of country wood smoke! The turnout for the task was excellent,
nineteen volunteers in all. The site manager was extremely pleased
to have cleared away so much of the felled material and thanked
all those who took part for their efforts.
